My Experiment
As far as nominations go, yeah, they can be quite different, from what I've heard, but one thing is good across the board - your attitude. Don't walk in the room like it's a firing squad. These people are not mean or out to get you - in fact, to have given their time to selecting future officers says something about their character.
The reason i called this "My Experiment" is that I've had a unique opportunity. Just yesterday I had my second interview with my Congressman's board - I was denied admission last year, on a medical basis. Last year, I entered that room terrified. I knew a couple of faces on the 10-person board, but nevertheless, I worked hard to convince them, in a very businesslike manner, that my medical condition would not cause their potential nomination of me to be wasted. Leaving, I was not sure at all if I would get the nomination (I did).
This year, though, things were different. My case was even more risky - I was already denied admission once! But, leaving happily this year, I knew I was receiving a nomination, and most likely the "primary" one - so the board told me, which they don't usually do on-the-spot. Why? My different attitude. I pictured this as a chat with my good friends, explaining to them why I was so excited (I used that word at least 5 times) about the Academies, all the stuff I would do to get in, etc. It was all true, of course, but last year I had omitted that for the air of professionalism. I said what was on my mind (I knew the stuff, the Honor Concept, term of service after grad, branch choice, etc.) and with a smile on my face. By the end, we were having fun, and I left in a state of joy.
I hope you can do the same. Remember, be happy, know your stuff, and don't worry about prepped answers. Just talk to your friends about the academy, and say the same things in front of the board. If those are two different things, maybe you should reexamine your passion for admission...
Good luck, and God Bless.
Hooah!
-Snyder